The Argyle Cap - Progress

The Argyle Cap

I've been working the last few days on The Argyle Cap I mentioned in the previous post.  I had hoped to finish it today since we have a holiday here.

I don't think that's going to happen.  Because I don't have a lot of light in my living room, and the fact the red is dark, it makes it a little difficult to work on in the evenings.  But, I have been working on it and I should get it completed this week before I get matched with my next scarf exchange partner on Friday.

So far, I think I am right on with the pattern.  Along the way I've made some mistakes and when I'd get to the end of the row, things didn't match up with the pattern - I'd be off by a couple of stitches.  I'd look to discover where I went wrong, then tink  back to the spot I'd need to fix.  Unfortunately, a couple of times that spot was close to the beginning of the row.  The row I just finished had me going back to near the beginning twice, and then about a couple of inches back the last time until I got it back on pattern.

I'm knitting the small size (ladies size I think), and because of the needles I'm using, and the weight of the yarn (fingering), I think these circulars are just a tad too long (I thought I was getting the smallest size - at least it was the smallest that was available at the shop where I purchased them). I'd also like to see the needle part just a little shorter.  Anyway, I hope this doesn't stretch the yarn too much and make the hat out of shape or too loose.

Close up of the pattern so far. 

This pattern isn't too difficult and most of the rows are easily memorized after a repeat.  I do find that I need to be able to concentrate while doing this, so watching the Olympics at the same time probably isn't a good idea.  That, and getting a couple of text messages from a friend, is probably what caused me to have to tink back those few times in the row I just finished.

I can't wait until this hat is finished so I can see how it looks.  The pattern suggest wet blocking and drying flat. I've never done that with a hat before, so hopefully that won't be too much of a problem for me.

I'm debating on making the matching mittens after I finish this (or at least after I finish the next scarf for the exchange), or if I'll make another hat using one of the other designs in the pattern and then make the matching mittens for both hats at that point.

For now, I'll concentrate on finishing the hat.

I Finished My Scarf

As you might remember, I was taking part in a scarf exchange on Ravelry.   I completed the scarf and mailed out the package yesterday.  I do hope my exchange partner likes everything!  I'm not going to post a picture of the scarf until after she receives it, just in case she happens to visit my blog and sees it.  I don't want to ruin the surprise for her.

I'm not totally satisfied with the blocking as I've not really done any blocking in the past.  I probably shouldn't have chosen a pattern that needed to be blocked until after I had more experience with blocking; however, I did offer to knit her something else if she isn't satisfied with it.

Last month, I got my orders from Knit Picks and The Loopy Ewe (links to their shops on my left sidebar).  The photo to the right shows the yarn from Knit Picks, and includes: 2 Wondermint Chroma Worsted (back right corner), 2 Peapod Stroll (the green), 2 Dandelion Stroll (yellow), 2 Eggplant Palette (dark purple), 2 Cream Palette (in back of the dark purple), 1 Lignonberry Heather Palette and 1 Oyster Heather Palette (both in front and being used to knit my current project).
The photo to the left is part of my order from The Loopy Ewe.  I bought two Cascade 220 in purple hyacinth, and one Alchemy Yarns of Transformation - Juniper Colorways in sugar mountain.  I also ordered  two Cascade Superwash Sport in Christmas green and gifted them to my BFF.

I also ordered a few other things with the yarn, but didn't put them in the pictures.  I got some tapestry needles, since I couldn't find my other ones, some Harmony DPNs (unfortunately I ordered the 5 inch needles and they are a little small for my current project, but I'm making due.  I think I'll have to order them in a bigger size next time as I am enjoying using this needle.), a magnetic chart keeper, and something for my scarf exchange pal (which I'll refrain from writing).

As I mentioned above, I've started on my next project.  It is the Argyle Cap by Amy Munson (from Knit Picks).  I also ordered the Argyle Mitten Collection (also by Amy Munson) pattern as well.  Both the hat and mitten patterns have a few different variations of the pattern to choose from.  I have only just started the hat pattern today, so I don't have much of it to show in a photo just yet.  When I get it done, I'll be sure to take a picture.

The Ravelry group (International Scarf Exchange) is hosting another scarf exchange, and I've signed up for it again.  They are taking a month off from the alphabet exchange and just doing a stash busting exchange.  You can either sign up to send  just a scarf, or a scarf, a skein of yarn from your stash, and a little treat to nibble or sip.  I joined the one to send only the scarf, and I'm already thinking of possible patterns.  We will get matched up with a partner next Friday and then have a month to get the scarf made and mailed.

Time to get back to working on my hat.  We have a long weekend (Family Day) so I hope to get this project completed before heading back to work on Tuesday.

Happy knitting!

Knitting Progress

I’ve mentioned in the previous post about becoming involved in a scarf exchange on Ravelry.  Since joining, I’ve been looking through various scarf patterns to knit for my exchange partner.  There are so many wonderful looking scarf patterns, and that makes it difficult to choose just one.

Yesterday I had the flu so I couldn’t do anything, though I had hoped to start the scarf then.  Today, I feel a lot better. I won’t say I’m 100% better, but the fact that I’m not aching and I have no fever makes me feel a lot better.  Today my cough seems to be what I’m dealing with more than anything, and there are times when I cough so much that it’s hard to catch my breath.  I had an opportunity to go shopping in Dawson Creek today (I had hoped we could check out a yarn shop there, see if it’s open, and maybe get some yarn to use in my pal’s scarf), but I decided to stay home to get better for work tomorrow.

I looked through some of the yarn I have here, which isn’t much, and looked for something that might fit the categories – colour(s) she said she liked, types of yarn she likes, etc.  I decided on a skein (I won’t go into details of what colours, the brand/type, or pattern just in case my pal reads my blog. I don’t want to ruin the surprise for her), and searched the internet for a pattern.

Of course, me being me, I am second guessing my choice of yarn, colour, etc.  If I were doing this scarf for charity, I wouldn’t worry so much because there would be someone “out there” who would like it.  I just want my pal to like the finished product, and not feel disappointed in what I’ve chosen.

Since this is an alphabet swap and we need to choose things to include that start with the first five letters of the alphabet, I’m trying to keep this in mind with the things I’m choosing.  I have something for A and B, and have an idea for C.  Still deciding on D and E – though things could change between now and when I get the package sent out!  I just really hope my pal is happy and satisfied with what I send her.

Yesterday, at some point when I was feeling a little better, I ordered some yarn from The Loopy Ewe. I haven’t ordered anything from them in a long time, and found out I had a credit of nearly $20!  Anyway, since my birthday is coming up in a week from tomorrow, I decided to order some yarn for myself as a birthday present to myself.  I probably won’t get it in time for my birthday, but that doesn’t matter since I’m busy knitting my scarf exchange pal’s scarf.

I have also ordered some yarn and a couple of patterns from Knit Picks a couple of weeks ago.  The patterns were ones to download, so I already have them.  They are for argyle hats (it includes a few different patterns) and the matching mittens (again, it includes a few different patterns).  I’m looking forward to knitting those up – they looked so cool.  The hats and mittens I make from these patterns will more than likely go to charity.

I’ll post pictures of my scarf exchange pal’s scarf once she gets it so that I don’t ruin the surprise.  I’ll also post pictures of the yarn and the patterns, I’ve ordered for myself, when I get them in the mail.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on lately.  Feel free to drop a comment and let me know!

Ravelry, a Swap, and Yarn

On the weekend, I was surfing around Ravelry, checking out patterns and the forum.  I remembered taking part in a few swaps and secret pals, and thought I’d look to see if there were any currently going on.  From what I could see, there was no secret pal (it almost sounded like there had been a lot of people not following through on obligations, so they turned it into various swaps), but there were several different swaps going on.

One of the swaps I took part in a few years ago was the International Scarf Exchange. Unfortunately, I ended up losing that scarf (I think one day when I was doing some supply teaching. I either lost it, or it was taken out of my bag – which could have happened at the particular school I was at.  However, it doesn’t look like that one is going on, though there are some starting up in that group – they are just under different names.

Anyway, I joined one that is called the Alphabet Swap.  In the package, we have to send 3-5 items (have to double check if that includes the scarf we knit, or if that is in addition to the scarf), and the items must all start with the first five letters of the alphabet.  So, for example, you might send a skein of Alpaca yarn,  the scarf might be shades of blue, there might be some chocolate, a pattern for an item that starts with a ‘d’ (the name of the pattern that is), etc.

The lady I’ve been partnered with in the swap lives in Wisconsin. Since this isn’t a secret pal type of exchange, we are allowed to contact the other person and ask questions.  We can also ‘stalk’ their profile, questionnaires and posts with regards to things they are interested in to possibly include in the package we send.

I’m looking for different patterns as options to knit for her, but haven’t settled on anything just yet (we only just got our partner names last evening) and I’m waiting for her to contact me before I make any final decisions.  Also, I want to know if there is a specific colour she would like me to use.  Then I need to get the yarn – which might mean I need to order it online and that could take awhile to get to me (at least two weeks).  We have to have our packages mailed out by February 14^th, so I’d like to get started on this ASAP.

About a week ago, I visited the Knit Picks website because they were offering free shipping to Canada on orders over a certain amount.  Well, I surfed their site to look for some yarn, patterns, kits or whatever caught my interest.  I haven’t bought any yarn online for eons (I’ve bought a bit of yarn in the last few years, but it’s been from Michael’s or Wal-Mart), and I thought I would treat myself – sort of a Christmas present to myself.

I ended up ordering a couple of patterns (argyle hat and mittens).  I will post a link to them in the next post and also I’ll take a picture of the yarn I ordered for the patterns as well.  I should be getting that package in the next week, so I’m kind of excited for that.  And, since my birthday is coming up in less than two weeks, I think I might just ordered some more yarn as a birthday present for myself.  This time, I think I’m going to order from the Loopy Ewe, which I also haven’t ordered from in a long while.

Well, off to do some more searching on Ravelry for scarf patterns for my scarf swap partner!

Time For A Change

Since it’s been some time that I have posted on my knitting blog (other than my post of the other day), I figure it’s time for a change in my blog design.  While I do like the background and the colours of my current design, and because it’s a new year and I’m hoping to get back into more knitting and blogging, I think I need to start off with a new blog design.

I’m not sure what I’ll go with – one of the myriad of free templates available, or if I’ll actually break down and pay a little for a really nice looking template.  So far, all of my templates (on this blog and my other ones) have been the free ones offered either on Blogger or some other site that has free designs.

Knitting Update:

I’ve done a little more work on my Diagonal Lace Scarf, but at some point in the pattern (not too far from the needles), I’ve managed to lose a couple of stitches – more than likely it is a couple of yarn-overs.  So, I now need to rip back a few rows until I get the right amount of stitches.

Hmmm…I just went and looked at the pattern I had printed out for this scarf, and I noticed that there are only 24 stitches.  Now that I think about it, I did have 24 stitches on my needles! I didn’t make a mistake! 

The only thing that I can think as to why I had thought I’d made a mistake and left off a couple of yarn-overs, is because of having finished those other two scarves and I used 26 stitches for them. I must have been thinking (yes, it was late when this all happened) of that scarf and using 26 stitches for that.  Hmmm, now I need to make sure I rip back to a spot where I would start on a row 1.  And because of this confusion, I now remember the importance of using ‘life lines’ in knitting – so that you don’t have to rip back too far, and you’ll be at a spot in your knitting where you know you left off (such as at a row 1).

Lesson learned – and hopefully remembered for next time.

Surfing:

Since I’ve been away from the land of knitting blogs for some time, I’ve been going back to visit some of the blogs I used to visit often.  I hope to re-establish connections/friendships in the knitting sphere and not stay away so long next time.

I’ve really missed some of these women, their knitting, their daily life stories, etc.  These women gave me motivation and encouragement (even if they didn’t know they did) along the way – both in knitting and life.  I also hope to come across new blogs as well.  I look forward to seeing what patterns are being worked on, and maybe find some new ones that I can work on as well.

Y’all Come Back Now:

I really hope you’ll keep coming back and encouraging me to continue knitting (to not loose motivation), with my other craft/art projects, and just in daily life in general – you know, when times get tough.

Happy knitting!

Welcome 2014!

I can't believe how long it's been since I've really made any postings here - particularly knitting related.  I just haven't had a lot of knitting motivation in such a long time, and to be honest, I just never thought of doing posts of any of my art journals (which I hope to get more into this year).

About three weeks ago at Bible study (one of the two that I attend), we were talking about spiritual gifts and taking a "test" to find out what ours were.  Well, I had mentioned about my knitting and how I had wanted to learn to make mittens (which blossomed into other items) for the mitten tree at the church I was attending back home (in case I haven't mentioned it here, in late August of 2011 I moved to northern BC as I accepted a teaching position at a Christian school).  I also mentioned that I was in a slump, or rather I felt stalled in my walk and hadn't been doing any knitting in so long.  After mentioning this, I was encouraged by the others to pick it up again and get working on it.  I mentioned that I'd like to start a mitten tree at the church (the new one I'm attending here in BC) since they don't have one, and they didn't know what a mitten tree was.  They said that if this was a gifting (craftsmanship), then I have to do something about it - I need to knit and start a mitten tree.

Since it's obviously too late now to start one for Christmas (as I had mentioned to them at the time as well), I would still like to have something set up where people can knit (or purchase items to donate) various items that can be donated to homeless or less fortunate people.  Here in the north, we will still have cold and snow for awhile and these people can definitely still use the items.  So, I need to figure out how to set something up, present it, and start collecting items to somehow (and somewhere) distribute them.  One of the members of the Bible Study group suggested the Salvation Army, which is a great idea, but I said that as far as I knew people have to buy the items they have.  I want these items I will make and collect to be given freely to those who need them - just like Jesus freely gave us the gift of salvation.

Two "2 Weeknights With Warrick" scarves

Needless to say, my motivation was re-sparked and I began working on some knitting projects within a day or two.

I chose to do an easy pattern, one that I could do without much thinking so that I wouldn't lose motivation before I got started.  I went with the 2 Weeknights With Warrick pattern, which I have done before a couple of times.  In the photo, the scarf on the left is the first one I did and finished not long after starting.  The one on the right was finished a few days ago (and it looks in the photo like I've got it backwards, LOL!  Well, at least you can see what each side looks like...).

Want to know a little secret? These aren't completely finished.  I can't find my darning needle to sew the ends in, so once I get that and can take care of the finishing touches, then they will be totally finished.

I've already started in on another scarf, though it might be one I keep for myself.  The pattern for this scarf is the Diagonal Lace Scarf, which I've also made a time or two in the past.  It's another fairly easy pattern - a 6 row repetition, and I like the way it looks.  The yarn I'm using for this pattern is Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in Petunia.  Since I've only been knitting this pattern for a few days, I don't have a whole lot completed. But, when I'm done I will post a photo of it.

Do you have anything specific that you are wanting to knit, or learn to knit, in 2014? Would love to hear about it in the comments, and feel free to post a link to what you're working on!

Art Journal Page

This is one of my recent Bible "art" journal entries.  I just use a small coil notebook with lines.  Normally I just draw something - sometimes a full page (which aren't all that big), sometimes just a little picture somewhere on the page, and write a verse. I also usually just colour my drawings in with pencil crayons.

I should start off by explaining that I really am not an artist. I'm just learning.  I have taken painting lessons in the past, but that was about 11 years ago.  I don't really know much about art, but was told by a coworker who has a degree in art that "art is just whatever you make".

I've always wanted to be able to draw and paint well, but I never really sat down and practiced. How else can I do these things (or anything, really), if I don't practice and try.  So, here I am trying my hand at art journals. 

I've been pinning a lot of ideas on my art journal board on Pinterest. Some of the pins I'd like to duplicate because I really like them, others there might be a quote or part of a picture, or colour combination that I like and would like to experiment with myself.  I've also recently been watching some videos watching artists creating art journal pages, and have been feeling inspired.

I don't have a lot of supplies, so for now I have to work with what I have.  There are a few items I'd like to get soon though, because the techniques I watched on some of the videos requires certain supplies.

As I said, my journal is in a small coil notebook and it has lines.  I wanted to use my watercolour paints on this page, after watching a demonstration of how one of the videos showed how they created their background, so I had to use some gesso to cover the page.  I think I should have used more because I can still see the lines.  I'll try using more the next time and see if that helps.  I then just applied various colours of paint around the page and let it dry.  Once that was done I wrote the verse on the page (I have a habit of writing and drawing in pencil first, and then going over it with a black marker pen. I don't have the confidence to do anything in pen alone yet), and took inspiration off two of the many art journal pages I have have pinned on Pinterest.

So far I am enjoying doing art journals (I have this one where I record Bible verses and thoughts about the verse in, as well as a smaller one I use for general quotes that I like).  Hopefully it's something I will keep up with and improve in!

Peek-A-Boo! Here I Am!

I know, I know, it's been EONS since I've updated this poor blog.

To be honest, ever since I moved out west, I seem to have lost my knitting mojo. I'll knit a little bit - a few rows, part of something - and put it down because I just don't feel like knitting. I know some day I'll get it back. It still calls to me from time to time, and I do have yarn and needles...and items on the go.

I've started something new, though.

About eleven years ago, I took a painting class for about a year. I had to quit because I had enrolled in university and since I wouldn't be working while going to classes, I had to give up the painting class. I always promised myself that when I started working and bringing in some money, I would take another one because I enjoyed painting and found it relaxing.

I've been looking around here for classes, but haven't found anything - other than enrolling in one at the local college. I'm basically a beginner and I think (though I'd have to check it out) this class is more for people who have some artistic ability - which I lack at the moment.

A week or so ago, I was surfing Pinterest and somehow happened upon a website which offers online tutorial type classes. I signed up for a couple (you have access 24/7) and ordered a few supplies. I'm waiting for the brushes and markers needed for these classes to come in before I really sit down and practice.

One of the classes is on lettering - a form of calligraphy that uses brush markers instead of pen and ink. I watched the first couple of lessons (which are done by video) to get an idea of what she does. It looks so cool and neat, and I can't wait to get my brush markers so I can start practicing!

The other class is on drop flowers (I think that's what it's called...it's escaping my mind at the moment). It's watercolour - which I really like the looks of - and you make the flowers and then "drop" paint into the wet center, which results in a darker colour. After you finish painting, you outline it in black. They look so cool!

I guess when scrolling through Pinterest, what led me to this website was looking at various art journal and Scripture journal pages people have made. I've always thought those (or most of them) looked amazing and I always wished that I could do that. So, I decided that if I ever want to learn something I would need to try it and practice it. Otherwise I'll spend the rest of my life wishing I could do that sort of thing, and regretting not having tried it.

Here are a couple of my first samples. This first one I was more or less just practicing trying to get a background and using more of the paint on the dry paper around the edges, then wetting the middle and adding some yellow and blending the paint in. I don't think it quite worked out the way I had envisioned it, but I kind of like it anyway...even though the orange ended up overpowering the yellow.  I also normally don't gravitate towards these two colours (I'm more of a cool colour sort of girl), so I wanted to try using something I normally wouldn't.

For the drawing and writing, I just started with pencil and then traced over with a black gel pen. As I've said, I can't really draw. I have to look at something and then try to "copy" it...which is what I did here. I think it turned out OK. I definitely need more practice with my drawing as well.  For the verse, I saw it on a photo over on Pinterest (it isn't credited to any particular author, so I have no idea where the quote comes from, or who said it) and liked it so I used it. This is not a quote from me. I would give proper credit if someone knows who said this.



First attempt at drop flowers



The next photo is my first attempt at the drop flowers. I don't have the brushes that are recommended for this course yet (they're on the way and I should get them this week), so I was just working with what I have on hand.

The painting is somewhat on the small side, but I zoomed in so it looks much bigger than it really is.  I painted the flowers, dropped the colour in, did the stems and leaves, and added the middles (I used watercolour paint, but it didn't really work out right, and I don't have a white paint marker yet to add white dots to the middle to help it pop out, but I will add them when my order comes in). After I let it dry, I used my black gel pen to outline it. 

I actually did another couple of samples like this one, but I thought this first one turned out to look the best out of the three. So that's the one that got photographed.  I think it turned out pretty good.

So, as I continue practicing my drawing and painting (I also want to learn to do other watercolour painting - not just these pretty drop flowers), I will hopefully remember to share them here and document my progress.

And hopefully, the knitting mojo will kick in again and I will be able to add photos of those items as well!

Would love to hear what you think of my first attempts at the painting (don't be mean and cruel, though). Leave a note in the comments!

What have you been working on lately?

Something To Keep Little Feet Warm



Size 2-4 socks

 I've had these finished for a few weeks now, but just never got around to posting a pic.

I used the flash in the picture, so the colours don't like quite right. They are deeper and darker in "real life".

The yearn is Patons Kroy Socks (stripes) in the "Mulberry Stripes" colourway. I was unsure at first if I would like this colour combination (well, at least with the brown thrown into the mix), but I think they look quite nice.

The stripes don't match up - they are fraternal twins, but that's OK too. I just hope whoever gets them doesn't mind! I will be adding these to my collection of knits that will go on the church mitten tree at Christmas.

I've started in on another pair of socks (same pattern and size). I'm only on the first sock yet, and I'm just about to start on the heel flap. I haven't really been in the knitting mood much, but from time to time I will knit a couple of rows. I've been feeling like knitting something else though - not sure what though. I've thought of doing yet another hat, but haven't started it. Thought using larger needles and bigger yarn would be nice after working on the socks.

I've also been thinking about knitting a shawl, but to be honest, that scares me. It would be small yarn again and lace - which I wouldn't be able to work on in front of the TV (which is where I tend to do most of my knitting). I've marked a few patterns on Ravelry that I'd like to try, so maybe I'll at least attempt it. I was thinking of making a shawl as a gift, and of course, one for me. I'd also be scared that I wouldn't get it finished for a long time. I don't know. I see so many beautiful shawls on Ravelry and on blogs, and I would like to try one...maybe I should just bite the bullet and start one and see how it goes.

What are you currently working on? Let me know in the comments!

Knitting With Julia Roberts

Saw this on Facebook (via Knit Picks) and just had to share!

Head Coverings

I was getting tired of writing "Hats" or "More Hats" for titles, so I switched it up a little and went with Head Coverings...because that's what hats are!

The one on the right is the same pattern I used for one in the previous post - the Vyridia Fair Isle Hat. I switched the colours around so that pink was the main colour and used the navy for the pattern.

When I finished that hat Saturday night, I still had yarn left over for both colours and decided to make a third hat. This one is just a simple navy and pink striped hat with both colours used in the pompom. For both hats I cast on 80 stitches and used a 4.5mm circular needle (switching to DPNs when it got smaller near the crown (from decreasing).

I still have some of each colour left, but not enough for a hat. Might be enough to add a few rows to a multi-coloured hat. I should look up my left over Astra yarn and see if there if the colours would work together. I don't think I have a lot of this yarn though, and I don't want to buy any more yarn until I use up more of my stash...and besides, I need to save my money since I'm not getting a lot of work.

I don't know what I'll work on next. This seems to be the year of the hat for me, but I want to work at something else as well. I've got lots of patterns queued up in Ravelry, so I might check that and see if anything speaks to me. 

Some of the things I might work on are:

socks (children's)
baby blanket
baby sweater
more hats ;o)
mittens
stuffed toys

It's hard to say what I'll work on next. I think I might start a pair of children's socks, as I had thought while working on my first Vyridia Fair Isle hat that I would do the socks next. I guess you'll have to tune in to the next post to see what the chosen next project turned out to be!

What do you have planned to knit in the future?

More Knitting & Crocheting

In my last post, I showed you a photo of the baby blanket (and wash cloths and bibs) I had made for my friend, Colleen, in Australia.

She has since received the package, and I'm happy to report that she loved the blanket (though she didn't mention anything about the bibs and wash cloths) and said that anyone who sees it loves it as well! That made me feel good!

Since then, I've finished some more items. As you can see in the photo to the left, there are three hats (knitted) and two wash cloths (crocheted). The link for the washcloths is in the previous post.

The hat in the middle was actually finished when I had done the previous post, as was one of the wash cloths, but I forgot to take a photo of it and mention it in the blog.

The hat to the left is the Vyridia Fair Isle Hat by Tina Edgar. The link to the Ravelry pattern can be found here. This is a very easy and quick knit, and I will definitely be making it again, only I will reverse the colours. In the hat I made, I used Patons Astra in navy (main colour) and dark pink. I'll use the pink as the main colour in the next one.

The other two hats used Bernat Mosaic, but I have thrown out the ballband so I don't remember the colourway.

What have you been working on lately?

Dedicated To Krissy

My best friend gave me heck this past Sunday for not updating this knitting blog for awhile, so Krissy, this post is dedicated to you!

Ok, so since the time of my last post, I have been busy making some baby items for a friend's first baby. She had the baby a couple of weeks ago, but I've just been slow in finishing things up and mailing it off.

I wanted to make a baby blanket, so I started crocheting (my favourite way of doing baby blankets) a giant granny square blanket in yellow and green. It looked fine (I need to photograph it and post it to show you), but I thought afterwards that I'd like something a little different than that.  So, I proceeded to do another one, also with yellow and green. At the time I she was still pregnant and I didn't know what she was having, so I wanted to play it safe with the colour choice.  Unfortunately, that blanket didn't turn out.

Oh, I should mention that I had also started knitting a blanket first (pictured a post or so ago...the one with the book in it), but I somehow ended up knitting it backwards - don't ask me how that happened! I figured it would have taken too long for me to start knitting a new one with this particular yarn as it was a light worsted weight. The yarn I chose for the other blankets was a lot thicker, and was easier to work up.

Above is a photo of the completed blanket I finished crocheting using Bernat Baby Bubbles yarn (from my stash, and I haven't seen it on shelves for awhile so I don't know if it's even available anymore), in the Pretty Bubbles colourway. I used a 5.5mm hook. The pattern is pretty easy and uses double crochet for the entire blanket.

I also decided to knit up a few bibs (to the left) using the Grandmother's Favourite Baby Bib pattern (on Ravelry). It's pretty  much the dishcloth pattern and then you bind off until there are five stitches left, and then do the strap. Very easy!

The bib in the middle (yellow one) is made with Cotton Tots, and the other two are made with Bernat Cotton that's used for dishcloths.


The last pattern (below) I made was the Oh So Soft Baby Washcloths found on Ravelry as well. These were made with Cottontots, and is done in crochet. Again, this is a very easy pattern and crochets up quickly!

I'll try to get a photo up soon of the granny square blanket I mentioned earlier. Aside from all these baby items I've been working on, I haven't done much else in knitting. I do have another bib on the needles, and I'll make more of those as well. These will go with the items I make for the mitten tree at church.

Ok, well, that's all for now. Happy knitting!

Yarn Along Wednesday

So I finally remembered to do a post for the Yarn Along (after visiting Kelly's blog).

The link to yarn along can be found by clicking HERE.

The book in the photo is called 90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper. I haven't actually started reading this book just yet, but I will be in the next couple of days.

This book is "a true story of death and life". Don was on his way home from a conference for pastors when he was in a serious car accident - his car was crushed by a semi truck! Medical personnel declared that he died instantly. While he was dead, he "experienced the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty and music."

Here's part of what the back of the book says:

"Ninety minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper miraculously returned to life on earth with only the memory of inexpressible heavenly bliss. His faith in God was severely tested as he faced an uncertain and grueling recovery. Now he shares his life-changing story with you."

Don Piper spoke at the Christian university here last fall, as well as at a local church. My BFF was in the audience at the university and said it was an awesome talk. She said Mr. Piper focused more on what happened before and after his heavenly experience, and chose to not focus on Heaven. I had friends who heard him speak at the church, and they were in awe. The book actually belongs to my BFF, and she has read it and enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to reading this - will try to let you know how it is!

As for the knitting, I'm working on a baby blanket for a friend who is expecting her first baby this month. I need to get cracking on it, as I'm not even 1/3 of the way through! The pattern I'm using is on the yarn label, so there is no real name for it. I'm using Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn in the "natural" colourway.  The pattern is easy - 4 rows repeated for the entire blanket. The pattern is knit on the first and third rows, the second row is purled, and the fourth is knit. No doubt I'll have better photos of the finished product posted on here at a later date!

Well, must go work on the blanket now. Happy knitting!

Plain Jane Vanilla

Are you surprised? I've knit 3 more hats since the last post!

First off, let me say (again) that this picture was taken using the flash because it's kind of a dark and dreary day today. We're getting rain, instead of snow...but that's a story for another time.

The hat in the middle was made with leftover purple yarn from one of the purple hats I made previously (shown a couple of posts ago). The hat on the left and right was made from the same skein of Bernat Mosaic in the Ninja colourway. This yarn reminded me a little of Noro Kuryeon, where there are pieces of the strand that weren't tightly spun.

I didn't mind using this yarn, but there were a couple of times when I was casting on where the yarn pulled apart because it wasn't spun in that particular area. The second hat I had cast on 90 stitches and decided that it would be too loose. I unraveled the yarn to cast on 80 stitches instead. As I was unravelling, I got to a spot that had one of those areas that isn't spun (I know there is a name for that, but I can't think of it), and it pulled apart on me. Thankfully, it didn't waste much yarn.  Aside from that, I didn't mind this yarn.

Since the picture was taken, I added a pompom to the hat with the rolled brim (the one on the right). My mom expressed an interest in it to use when she goes out to shovel the walk (and no, she doesn't do this much, but when I'm sick or my back is acting up, she will shovel; otherwise I shovel the walk. We have someone plow out our driveway, so neither of us has to shovel the driveway, thankfully). Previously she would use a hood from a coat, but she didn't like it as it was too big and came down around her face too much (when it was tied). So, I told her if she wanted the hat she could have it. She tried it on and thought it looked OK but thought maybe it should have a pompom so it wouldn't look so flat on her head.

I'm debating on what to knit next, but I think it might be...surprise!!!....another hat. I just find they knit up quickly and I don't have to pay too much attention to the knitting - it's mindless really. I might do up some more kids socks or a scarf soon though...no promises though, LOL!

Do you have a favourite hat pattern to knit or crochet?

Little Swags Hat

Little Swags Hat

I did it! I created my own hat pattern...well, one of two.

This is the first one I finished. I knit up the white one first a little while back, and just finished the pink and white one today.

The white hat is quite large and loose on my head. I suppose someone with a bigger head, or lots of hair would be able to use it. I was following another hat pattern for sizing and for the yarn I used (Bernat Satin), I probably should have either used smaller needles or knit less rows.

The pink and white one fits my head better as I made adjustments from the white one. I knit less rows, and with the decreasing I started with a different number of stitches at the beginning.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the way the white swags were going to look with the pink background, but as I continued knitting and finished, it grew on me and I think I like it. So, this hat can be knit in a solid colour, or two colours.

Close up of the Little Swags Hat

The stitch pattern I used is from "400 Knitting Stitches" fro mPotter Craft. It's called the Stamen Stitch, and is on page 142. It was written for using two needles, so I had to play with it a bit to rework it for circular needles. It took a few times because, quite frankly, I'm not all that great at those sorts of things (or creating patterns). I can't look at a pattern and immediately know what to do or how to change it.

I did enjoy coming up with this, and figuring out how to make the adjustments. The pattern itself is very easy, and doesn't take too long to make.

I've decided to post the pattern here on my blog, for anyone wishing to make the hat. I don't have sizes for kids, but I'm sure a more experienced knitter will know what to do to adjust for that. I'm more than willing to accept help in that sort of thing...though really, I'm sure if you just use the sizing for other patterns (kind of like what I did for this one), it would work out OK.

Also, if you try this pattern, I would love to hear back if there are any errors, etc. Also, if you use different yarns you will probably have to adjust the amount to cast on, etc. I created this pattern using ther Bernat Satin, and have not tested it in other brands or thicknesses.


Edited to add needle sizes in the pattern.
I would also love to see any hats you make, so please feel free to leave a link in the comments so I can see. So, without further ado, here is the pattern for the hat:

Little Swags

Cast on 90 stitches with smaller needles (4mm)


Knit 10 rows of K2, P2 ribbing

Switch to larger needles (5mm) and follow the stitch pattern:

Stitch Pattern:

Row 1: K all stitches using MC

Row 2: sl 1 purlwise with yarn in front, P1; repeat around

Row 3: K all stitches using MC

Row 4: P1, sl 1 plurwise with yarn in front; repeat around


Continue the above stitch pattern for 40 rows

Row 41: K2, K2tog around. There should be about 68 stitches left.

Start decreases as following, with all decreases done on knitted rows:

1. K9, K2tog; repeat around. There will be extra stitches at the end, just knit those.

2. Follow Row 2 of the stitch pattern

3. K8, K2tog; repeat around. Again, there will be extra stitches at the end to knit

4. Follow Row 4 of the stitch pattern

Continue in this manner, decreasing one more stitch on each knitted row, making sure to follow the pattern with row 2 & 4 alternating. Do this until there are about 12 stitches left; snip yarn and pull through remaining stitches.

Honeycomb Hat

I finally finished the purple hat I was working on (see previous post). It's not difficult, but the particular stitch I did took longer for me to work at. It's an easy stitch, but for some reason I was just slow at knitting it.


The picture isn't the best, and I had to use the flash on the camera. I've adjusted the photo some in Photo Shop Elements, but the colour of yarn in the photo is pretty close to the actual colour.

Honeycomb Hat



As previously mentioned, I used Patons Classic Merino in Royal Purple. The needles were 5.0 mm circs. In all honesty, I don't really know what the sizing would be, other than to say the hat doesn't fit my head - and I don't think my head is big...maybe average sized.  I suppose this hat could fit an older child, I don't really know. I'll have to take this with me to church on Sunday and get my BFF's daughter (who is a month away from being 11 years old), and see if it fits her.

I got a gift certificate to Chapters for Christmas, and used it to buy the book "400 knitting stitches, A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns" by Potter Craft. The stitch for my Honeycomb Hat is found in there.  I haven't typed up the pattern yet, and in all honesty it's probably not the best pattern. I just sort of made it up as I went along.

For starters, the number of stitches I cast on may not have been the correct amount, as there "left overs" as I began my decreasing rows for the crown. For example, if I was decreasing 8 stitches and then knitting 2 together, I might end up with 5 stitches left over. I would just knit those with no decreases. I don't know if that made a difference or anything, but it may have been camoflauged because they were done only every other row (in between patterned rows). Hopefully the way I worded it makes sense. At any rate, by the time I got to k4, k2tog, I was OK with the number of stitches matching up to the decreasing.



Close-up of Pattern

 I've never created my own hat pattern before, so I took some measurements from another "established" pattern. I cast on what I thought would be the right amount (I wanted to make it a little larger than the other hats I made, so I cast on more than those ones (but not by much). The type of decrease I used was the same as in the other pattern, but I didn't know how many to start decreasing with. I think it turned out OK in the end though, but maybe if someone else looks at the pattern (when I get it posted), she might be able to tell and help make proper adjustments - even if it's just casting on a different amount of stitches instead of what I used.

I'm going to attempt to make another hat of the other pattern I mentioned in a previous post and see if it works out again as well. It's a quicker knit so it shouldn't take me too long to knit up another one. I'm going to try it using two colours and see how that looks. I'll post pics when I get the other one done, and possible share the pattern as well.

Until then, happy knitting!

Yarn Along

I just discovered this "along", and thought I would take part. Ginny, over at Small Things is hosting the yarn along, and you still have time to take part as well. Click the title of her blog to check it out. She's offering a skein of yarn as a prize!

So, for the yarn along, we have to post a photo of our current knitting project and book that we are reading. Here is mine:

The knitting project is a hat I am currently working on (designing it myself...or attempting to). I'm using Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Royal Purple colourway. I hope, if it turns out (might have to do another one just to make sure the pattern works) I just may share the pattern.

The book I'm currently reading, as you can see, is Someone to Blame by C. S. Lakin. Click the name of the book to read a review.

Scroll down for the first post I made today, showcasing my latest knitted FOs I've made since the beginning of 2011.

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I've been AWOL since before New Year's. The reason is because of problems with an outlet that wasn't working (which the computer and router were plugged into), and my laptop hard drive decided to die on me.

So, since I didn't have computer access for awhile (about a month), I was busy catching up on my knitting! All photos on this post are of items completed since January 1st.

The first photo of 5 hats are a variety of patterns. The blue hat with pompom and the pink hat beside it were pretty much the same pattern (adapted from a child's hat pattern using the measurements from one pattern), the third hat on the top row is another Fixie Hat, and the two on the bottom are the same hat ("54") in two different sizes. After I finished the green one, I wondered why it was so small. I realized after looking over the pattern, I had used 4mm needles instead of the required 5mm. The blue hat is using 5mm needles and is adult sized.

The second photo is the pattern (the Two Colour Infant Hat) I used the measurements from for the hats mentioned above (the blue pompom and the pink). I made a hat using this pattern the Christmas before last (for the church mitten tree). I love this pattern - easy and quick to make! I decided to add a pompom on the blue/black hat, and used both colours of yarn for it. I must admit that I'm not the best at making pompoms, but then I'm just learning. They turned out OK, but I'm sure they'll get better with practice.

These two hats, to the left, are creations of my own, based on the hat above. I admit the patterns aren't all that great or interesting, but I was mostly just playing around.

I used a bright blue and navy Paton's Astra yarn for these two hats, and sized 4mm circs.

I think I'd like to try to come up with some interesting patterns to make hats like these - better designs than the ones in the photo, but that probably won't happen for awhile. I think I need to be in the mood for that. For now, I'll probably stick to patterns/designs I find online.

Though I've mostly been knitting hats (I have another one I created that I have to test again before posting the photo and possibly pattern, and a second pattern I'm working on, and will probably do another testing for that as well), I also managed to get a couple pair of kids socks knit.

These will probably fit a 2 year old, maybe a 3 or 4 year old...not totally sure. The green pair of socks was made with some sock yarn in my stash. I lost the band for it, and all I remember was that I had won it in a contest a few years ago. It was nice to work with, and I have enough left that I might be able to get another pair the same size made with it - either that or a pair or two of baby socks.

The other pair of socks (same size as the green ones) was made with some Patons Kroy Socks Stripes yarn that I got on sale not too long ago. The colourway is mexicala stripes, and I must say I like the colours used! I would never have though of putting orange and pink and purple together, but I think they look great. I'm not sure if I have enough left for a pair of baby socks, but I might be able to get one baby sock made that could be used as an ornament on the Christmas tree next year. For now, that left over yarn will probably just stay in my stash. I've been thinking of making one of those mitred sock yarn blankets, but that would take a long time to make so I don't know if it's something that will get done just yet. Hard to say.

Well, that's all the knitting I've done for now. As I mentioned above, I've got a couple of other "in progress" hats that I'm working on and hope to post about soon. I also may or may not have patterns to go with them! Maybe if someone is interested in the pattern, I may post it. We'll see.

What have you been up to with your knitting?